HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Read Before Packet - 8/4/2020 - Memo From Amanda King And Leo Escalante Re: Covid-19 Resident Resource Communications And Engagement Staff Report
MEMORANDUM
Communications & Public Involvement
215 N. Mason St.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.416.2209
fcgov.com
DATE: August 3, 2020
TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers
THROUGH: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
Jackie Kozak-Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer
Tyler Marr, Interim Director, Information & Employee Services
FROM: Amanda King, Communications & Public Involvement Director
Leo Escalante, Public Engagement Specialist
RE: COVID-19 Resident Resource Communications & Engagement Staff Report
Background: Like the rest of the globe, Fort Collins has experienced widespread human and
economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Business closures and economic
downturn have led to widespread unemployment, pushing an alarming number of people further
into poverty. Inequities and health disparities that were present prior to COVID-19 have been
amplified through this crisis. In Larimer County for example, recent positive cases per 100K are
51% higher among Hispanic/Latinx community members than non-Hispanic/Latinx community
members.
In response to the rapidly changing environment presented by this crisis, the City of Fort Collins
implemented a suite of tactics and programs to ensure community members and businesses
have access to available resources. Communications and coordination were prioritized to allow
residents to connect through mechanisms that are accessible to them.
Several updates on business support and engagement have been shared recently, and Council
has expressed interest in ensuring that the City continues connecting with residents. This
memo, supporting attachments and Tuesday night’s staff report will provide an update on how
the City has continued to work with partners to engage with residents and help connect them
with resources and assistance.
Emergency Communication and Response: When the COVID-19 Emergency Operations
Center was activated, the City’s Communication & Public Involvement Office (CPIO) quickly
convened to serve as the Joint Information Center (JIC). The initial communications strategy
leveraged FCGov.com/coronavirus as a central hub of timely information with updates being
made daily. A Spanish language version of the site was launched shortly after, and a variety of
communication channels were established to provide updated information. These channels
include:
• Website
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor)
• Press releases and local media alerts
• Local radio, including a Spanish radio station
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• FCTV cable channel
• COVID-19 eNewsletter
• Print materials
• Door-to-door delivery
• Ambassador/peer engagement
• Email campaigns to low-income Utilities customers and businesses
• City staff email signature
• Utilities telephone message
• Various existing newsletter platforms
Local Partnerships: City staff collaborated with United Way of Larimer County (UWLC) and
other local partners to create a list of resident resources. This list was housed on the UWLC
website as they were already developing and expanding their own database of resources and
the City wanted to avoid having different lists of resources across organizations in Fort Collins.
A working group regularly reviewed the UWLC website, identified gaps in information, and
created an internal electronic form to capture and centralize resource information to ensure the
list was as comprehensive as possible. The information was shared with United Way, who
added it to their list. In addition, to ensure this information is accessible to our Spanish-speaking
families, staff worked with community partners to translate each of the resource lists into
Spanish and shared them with community members.
Recently, the list and links to COVID-19 resources transitioned to 211colorado.org. The site
includes direct connection to general COVID-19 information and resources, housing information
and assistance, community specific resources, food resources, unemployment and insurance
support, as well as other resources.
City’s Role in Connecting the Community to Resources: To better understand the City’s role
in the many community and social support resources, staff created an internal tracking
document that highlights key community needs and how the City is supporting these efforts.
This document was previously shared with Council this spring and has been updated throughout
the pandemic given the rapidly evolving situation and as more resources became available.
Targeted Outreach for Vulnerable and Susceptible Populations: City staff also formed a
working group to support our vulnerable and susceptible community members. The Vulnerable
and Susceptible Populations team includes staff across several departments who have regularly
collaborated to implement a variety of targeted outreach to connect with various populations
within the Fort Collins community. A detailed list of efforts is attached and includes:
• Door-to-door outreach, with materials in English and Spanish, to provide COVID-19
resource brochures to seniors and community members who were less likely to have
access to the Internet
• Expanded Adopt a Neighbor program to connect vulnerable at-risk community members
to assistance
• Spanish language online town halls with community partners
Ongoing and Future Efforts: Through CARES funding, direct support and assistance and
communications and engagement efforts will continue to be expanded and enhanced. Funding
will enable partnerships with local cultural brokers, additional translation and interpretation
support, expanded outreach, education and promotion.
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Attachments:
1. Resident COVID Outreach and Engagement Matrix
2. Social Community Issues and Resources list (internal document)
3. COVID-19 Community Resources Brochure (English and Spanish)
4. PowerPoint Presentation
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Resident COVID Outreach and Engagement Matrix
Service
Area/Department
Description of Engagement/Communication Impact/Results
Citywide • United Way of Larimer County (UWLC) Resource Hub:
City staff supported UWLC in its decision to become the central hub of COVID-19
community resources and aided in the initial launch of the resources and
collaborated by helping compile lists, promotion of lists through different
communication channels, and translating and updating the initial lists of Spanish
resources in partnership with Poudre Library District.
• Internal working group – Vulnerable and Susceptible Community Members:
Internal group focused on coordination of service delivery, internal and external
sharing of community resources information, collaboration and communication
with community partners in identifying community needs.
• Community members have one
centralized hub of information and
allowed them to directly connect to a
variety of resources by visiting just
one site.
Communications and
Public Involvement
• City staff hosted a Telephone Town Hall with Larimer County Public Health
Director, Tom Gonzales to cover important health and safety information,
emergency response and recovery plans and to answer community questions.
• City staff also held a series of Spanish-language virtual Town Halls in partnership
with Poudre Library District, covering topics such as general health and
community COVID-19 resources.
• Dissemination of community resource information via press releases, social
media and online and through a newly created COVID-19 eNewsletter.
• Updates and links to resources were also included in the monthly City News
eNewsletter
• Translation of critical information and community resources into Spanish.
• Over 6,000 community members
participated in the Telephone Town
Hall.
• Approximately 90 community
members participated in the virtual
Town Halls with the Library.
• Over 1300 people have subscribed to
the COVID-19 eNewsletter and City
News has over 2500 subscribers. An
archive of both eNewsletters is
available on the COVID-19 webpage.
• The COVID-19 webpage on
FCGov.com was the #3 most viewed
page (after the homepage and
Utilities page) from March – June
• Combined social media audience of
over 170,000 across 40 accounts.
Reach and engagement across social
channels has grown significantly
during the COVID-19 emergency.
Neighborhood
Services
• Door-to-door flyers were delivered by Code Compliance Staff in 16
neighborhoods with Adopt A Neighbor, rent assistance, eviction avoidance, utility
bill assistance, community partner links and Larimer Health Department
• Approximately 1400 community
members were provided brochures in
16 different neighborhoods.
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guidance. Neighborhoods were selected for direct outreach based on factors that
may limit internet access to regular online communication channels for resources
and updates. Factors included average annual income, average age of residents,
access and/or comfort using technology and English language proficiency. Flyers
were drafted in both English and Spanish.
- Neighborhoods receiving door-to-door flyers: Skyline Mobile Home Park,
North College Mobile Home Park, Casa Grande, Northbrooke, Five Oaks,
Stonehenge, Harmony Half Acres, Milfred Acres, Impala Circle, Morningside,
Buckingham, Waterfield, Andersonville/San Cristo, Park West Condos,
Hickory Village, and Alta Vista.
• Adopt A Neighbor, rent assistance, utility bill assistance and community resource
information also were provided to HOA contacts, 55+ multifamily units and
mobile home parks to hang in community bulletin areas and to be included in
community newsletters. Property managers were asked to deliver material door-
to-door in 55+ multifamily complexes that did not receive them from City staff.
• Neighborhood Services and Volunteer Services main webpages and Adopt A
Neighbor webpages were updated with expanded program information,
volunteer applications and links to Social Sustainability’s community resource
page.
• For FoCo and Neighborhood Services webpages were updated with ideas for
physically distanced neighborhood connection opportunities.
• Neighborhood Services staff contacted by phone all 55+ mobile home park
residents and property managers we have been working with on residents’ rights
issues to check on them and connect them to additional resources as needed.
• Multiple seniors requested updates to mask requirements and enforcement (as
well as information on best practices to tactfully ask someone to wear a mask or
stand farther away for COVID-19 safety). Larimer County Health Department
information was given, and more additional guidance is still needed to help
navigate difficult conversations.
• Information was provided to 80 HOAs. Approximately 300 Multifamily 55+ reached, and approximately 650 households in mobile home parks reached (in both English and Spanish).
• For FoCo pages has had 1300 page
visits.
Social Sustainability • Convened Our Climate Future Ambassadors to deliver critical communications
and receive input on community gaps to better address needs.
• Helped identify language access gaps early in pandemic outbreak; however, the
City wasn’t able to execute fully to address those gaps.
• Created internal document highlighting social resources for City leadership and
other departments to use to connect residents and partners to resources.
• Provided updates daily, then weekly, to City leadership on shifting social needs
and available resources.
• Internal resource document includes
links to over 20 different assistance
programs/opportunities.
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• Provided community resource referrals to a limited number of residents who
contacted City staff directly via email/phone.
• Dissemination of pandemic-related support opportunities available to local
nonprofits: grants, business loans, trainings, pro-bono services and resources.
Volunteer Services • Outreach about Adopt A Neighbor to all active volunteers and subscribers to
volunteer news.
• Outreach to seniors through Senior Access Points, Partners for an Age-friendly
Community, CSU Extension, UWLC, A Little Help and FC Senior Center.
• Development of the VirtuVisit program, which will help connect isolated seniors
with volunteers through technology.
• To date, we have 399 volunteers, 64
neighbors paired and 199 visits.
Utilities • Discontinued disconnections for residential and business customers during the
initial phases of the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order. Began communicating early
with customers eligible for disconnection with two rounds of letters that
encouraged customers to call and set up a payment arrangement or learn more
about payment assistance options.
• Modified the Payment Assistance Fund so customers could receive help twice
during the program year (previously only once/year).
• Used Utilities’ automated call center messaging to provide information about
how to contact the County’s COVID-19 call center. Utilities customer service
representatives were provided information about how to direct customers to
resources.
• Provided data and logistical support for outreach efforts where printed resources
were hand-delivered by Code Compliance to 16 selected neighborhoods.
• Created COVID-19-related website specifically for Utilities information. The
website is in both English and Spanish. The most important information was also
added to the home page as spotlights.
• Sent a special edition of the Utilities Insights newsletter (print and email) that
contained COVID-19-related information and resources to customers enrolled in
Utilities Affordability Programs. The regular monthly editions of Utilities Insights
since the start of COVID-19 have included updated deadlines and content
relevant to bill payment assistance. All low-income communications during
COVID-19 have been provided in both English and Spanish.
• Set up meetings and had conversations with partner agencies, such as La Familia,
CSU Student Case Management, Kiwanis, United Way Working Families Thrive
(multiple agencies attend) and Larimer County Workforce Center, to discuss
Utilities programs for community members in need, and provided literature and
other requested resources.
• Participation in Utilities Affordability
Programs (UAP) has increased as a
result of COVID-19 and related
communications. Highlights from Jan.
1-June 30 include: Payment
Assistance Fund helped 294
households (versus 148 in 2019).
Medical Assistance Program
enrollment increased from 167 in
2019 to 197 currently. Income-
Qualified Assistance Program average
monthly enrollments increase from
700 in 2019 to 719 in 2020.
• Since the website went live, there
have been approximately 4,500
pageviews on the English site and
120 pageviews on the Spanish site.
• This special edition was emailed to
370 email addresses and sent to
more than 550 households.
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• Provided information/answered questions at meal pick-up/drop off locations, as
well as via a community e-newsletter at the Village on Horsetooth.
• Sent letters to past-due customers notifying them of assistance options.
• Utilities assistance program flyers were provided in utility bills in both English
and Spanish.
• Information about payment assistance resources was included in the April and
June City News newsletters.
• Used Utilities’ social media channels to disseminate information and resources
and shifted messaging on all platforms in response to the pandemic. Reduced
regularly scheduled program information and focused on relevant messages
directly related to COVID and how they relate to our services. Content focused
on suspension of disconnections, payment assistance and resources available,
drinking water is safe to drink, do not flush disinfectant wipes, essential workers
are practicing social distancing and taking safety precautions.
• Sent three emails to ~2,400 business accounts that included information about
discontinuing disconnections and where to find information about affordability
programs, along with information about what not to flush and water quality
(described below).
• At onset of COVID, increased promotion of the ‘Three Ps’ campaign, focusing on
what NOT to flush (e.g., wipes that were being used more frequently), including
bill inserts (49,000), videos (included animated clips in English and Spanish, as
well as FCTV PSA), social media and advertising (Coloradoan digital and print for
three weeks), among other outreach tactics with specific outreach to 2,400
business accounts via email.
• Approximately 49,000 households
were notified of Utilities assistance
opportunities via bill inserts (in both
English and Spanish).
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Social Community Issues and Resources
This resource is updated weekly. For the most up-to-date information, please see:
United Way uwaylc.org
City of Fort Collins fcgov.com/coronavirus
Larimer County larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19
City & Community Engagement, complete list of City engagement is under development
Resource Webpage City Role
Social Media (general, Recreation,
Utilities, Natural Areas,
Connexion)
https://www.facebook.com/fortcollinsgov/
https://www.facebook.com/FCRecreator/
https://www.facebook.com/fcutilities/
https://www.facebook.com/FCNaturalAreas/
https://twitter.com/fortcollinsgov
https://twitter.com/FCUtilities
https://twitter.com/ConnexionFC
Lead
Reddit Coloradoan/City
Leadership Community Q&A
https://www.reddit.com/r/FortCollins/comments/fxb
cv4/hi_the_coloradoan_is_here_with_fort_collins_city Collaboration
Direct Community Outreach
In development: Direct mail/flyers to share community
programs and UWLC info with vulnerable community
members, in next two weeks
Lead
Websites & Resources for
Businesses (see sites above too)
NoCoRecovers.com (One Stop Shop for Businesses)
fcgov.com/business (Business Newsletters & Info)
Partner
Lead
Town Hall in Spanish (4/23) https://www.facebook.com/PoudreLibraries/ Partner
Language and Accessibility
Resources
https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable-
disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-printable-resources-
additional-information
https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.psdschools.org/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Response/FAQ
https://citydocs.fcgov.com/?cmd=convert&vid=218&docid=344775
1&dt=MAIL+PACKET
Translation Support and Overall
Partner
United Way Resources & Larimer County printable resources available in Spanish, CDC webpage available in Spanish and other
languages. United Way resources also available in Spanish; 211 offers interpretation in multiple languages. City looking to provide
Spanish language COVID updates concurrent to English. Poudre River Library District to begin weekly videos in Spanish Poudre
School District is providing written materials in Spanish Chinese Korean and in Arabic. In addition, they are making Robo calls to
Family’s that speak Spanish and Arabic that may not have Internet access to provide verbal guidance on COVID response. Memo
provided to Council that outlines how City resources are accessible to those with vision or hearing disabilities. Town hall in Spanish
Thursday, April 23 at 4:00 pm (more information coming in the next week).
Utilities Assistance
Resource Webpage City Role
City of Fort Collins Utilities https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/covid-19 Lead
Will not disconnect services for nonpayment. Payment arrangements available. Utilities Customer Service (970-212-2900)
Energy Outreach Colorado https://www.energyoutreach.org/ Partner, funding
Utilities payment assistance. Call Catholic Charities (970-484-5010), La Familia (970-221-1615) or Discover Goodwill (1-888-775-
5327) for assistance.
Low-income Energy Assistance
Program (LEAP)
https://www.discovermygoodwill.org/services/leap/
None (led by State of Colorado
Dept of Human Services)
LEAP Deadline extended and applications will be processed as long as funds are available. Call 1-866-432-4835 for information.
Housing Assistance, mortgage support may be available directly from lenders
Resource Webpage City Role
Neighbor to Neighbor https://www.n2n.org/ Funding
Emergency rent assistance or first month’s rent assistance call 970-488-2383.
Social Sustainability Department conducting weekly check-ins with N2N to assess evolving needs.
Housing Catalyst https://housingcatalyst.com/covid-19-our-
commitment-to-our-community/ Quasi-government
Residents may contact their property manager with issues related to COVID-19. Information for residents available on website.
Federal CARES Act Eviction
Moratorium
https://www.nhlp.org/our-initiatives/cares-act-
eviction-moratorium-summary/ Analyzing for local application and
fund access
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Homelessness
Resource Webpage City Role
Northside Aztlan Shelter: Catholic
Charities, Fort Collins Rescue
Mission, Murphy Center & Health
District collaboration
Original Press Release fcgov.com/news/?id=7695
Outdoor Shelter Press Release
fcgov.com/news/?id=7719
Funding, coordination, regular
meetings, actively monitor
Daytime and overnight shelter indoors, and designated outdoor shelter, for those experiencing homelessness will remain in place
until stay at home order is lifted. Operated by Murphy Center and Catholic Charities. Women Overnight Shelter at Fort Collins
Rescue Mission and Community of Christ. Meals will be served at NACC three times/day. Exit strategy in development.
West Myrtle Site N/A Funding, regulatory relief
Anticipated to open week of April 27. Still to be opened – will provide daytime and overnight an isolation site for people who are at
higher risk for negative health outcomes related to COVID-19. Operated by Homeward Alliance in partnership with Health District.
Volunteers of America N/A None
Temporarily housing asymptomatic Veterans experiencing homelessness who are 60 and older in a hotel for up to 45 days due to
increased vulnerability from COVID-19. Contact Laura Meusch, 970-391-9925, lmeusch@voacolorado.org.
Food Access, additional resources available at https://uwaylc.org/
Resource Webpage City Role
Food Bank https://foodbanklarimer.org/ Regular funding support, actively
monitor
Drive-up model; receive box of pre-selected food. Walk up line available for those on foot or using public transit.
Poudre School District https://www.psdschools.org/FreeMeals-
SchoolClosures
None
Lunches available for pickup; PSD also plans to deliver meals to select mobile home communities.
Meals on Wheels https://www.mealsonwheelsfc.org/ Regular funding support
Delivers meals to home-bound seniors.
Serve 6.8 https://serve68.org/coronavirus/ None
Providing food and hygiene products Monday-Saturday, hours vary by location.
Volunteers of America, Northern
Colorado Branch
https://www.voacolorado.org/gethelp-northernco-
mow
Regular funding support
Delivers meals to home-bound seniors.
SNAP (USDA) https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-
nutrition-assistance-program
None
Has temporarily waived all verifications and is automatically issuing the highest amount. Call Larimer County Department of Human
Services at 970-498-6300 or apply online on Colorado PEAK (https://coloradopeak.secure.force.com/).
Salvation Army https://fortcollins.salvationarmy.org/ None
The Salvation Army has a drive-up/walk-up window to provide breakfast, lunch and food baskets. The meals are available from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the location at 3901 S. Mason St.
Language, Cultural, and Immigrant Resources
Language Resources https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable-
disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-printable-resources-
additional-information
https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.psdschools.org/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Response/FAQ
Translation
Larimer County printable resources available in Spanish, CDC webpage available in Spanish and other languages. United Way
resources also available in Spanish; 211 offers interpretation in multiple languages. City looking to provide Spanish language COVID
updates concurrent to English. Poudre River Library District to begin weekly videos in Spanish (City Contact: Leo Escalante). PSD is
providing written materials in Spanish Chinese Korean and in Arabic. In addition, they are making Robo calls to Family’s that speak
Spanish and Arabic that may not have Internet access to provide verbal guidance on COVID response.
Fuerza Latina http://fccan.org/affiliates/fuerza-latina/ None
Resource for immigrants who have questions on citizenship process updates, detainment hearings, and more.
Asian/Pacific American Cultural
Center
https://apacc.colostate.edu/ None
Resources for people struggling with issues related to COVID-19, including offering support with racially biased incident and ways
to connect in times of isolation and support for those whose families have been impacted abroad.
La Cocina https://www.lacocinahome.org/ None
Serving mental health needs of Latinx immigrants and refugees via Teletherapy and online Spanish-language services.
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Childcare, additional family resources available at https://uwaylc.org/
Resource Webpage City Role
Boys and Girls Clubs https://www.begreatlarimer.org/family-resources/ Regular funding support,
additional emergency funding
Childcare for healthcare staff and first responders with youth between the ages of 5 and 13 years old.
City’s Human Resources
Department
coftc.sharepoint.com/sites/HRConnect/Childcare/For
ms/AllItems.aspx; HR SharePoint site live on 4/17
Coordination & identification of
childcare needs for City staff
Developing childcare resources and support options for working caregivers and City employees providing essential services.
Early Childhood Council for
Larimer County (ECCLC)
https://ecclc.org/covid-19-resources/
https://forms.gle/LHgG638mUJSufwbH9
Actively monitor, offer support as
needed, regular funding support
Making referrals for community workforce to available licensed spots; surveying PSD families.
State Emergency Child Care
Collaborative
https://covidchildcarecolorado.com/ Stay informed
Resources that helps connect first responders, heath care workers, and essential staff with free childcare, funding through 5/17.
Mental & Physical Health, additional resources available at https://uwaylc.org/
Resource Webpage City Role
Larimer County, The Ranch site
collaboration
Larimer County Press Release None
The Ranch is being established as alternative care site (ACS) for the northern Colorado region to handle overflow COVID-19 care
and treatment as needed.
Connect for Health Colorado connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help None
Emergency Open Enrollment for those needing health insurance, through April 30, 2020.
SummitStone Health Partners www.summitstonehealth.org/ Regular funding support
Crisis Services remain open for Behavioral Health Urgent Care, Mobile Response and Crisis Stabilization.
Crisis Line 970-494-4200 ext. 4 or text TALK to 38255 to receive mental health crisis support.
Health District of Northern
Larimer County, Mental Health
Support
www.healthdistrict.org/news/phone-resource-covid-
mental-health-support
Regular funding support
Phone resource for Larimer County residents needing behavioral health support as a result of the COVID-19 situation.
People experiencing anxiety, stress, or other mental health concerns can call 970-221-5551.
Health District of Northern
Larimer County
www.healthdistrict.org/news/health-insurance-
enrollment-assistance-offered
None
Insurance Enrollment: Free health coverage enrollment assistance to Larimer County residents who have lost their health
insurance or have a change in household income due to loss of employment.
Larimer County Behavioral Health
Services
www.larimer.org/behavioralhealth None
Access to behavioral health resources; crisis line: 888-493-8255 or text 38255
Aging Clinic of the Rockies https://psychology.colostate.edu/acor/ None
Transitioning to telehealth phone- and video-based therapy. Peer counseling program (for older adults) is a gap right now as peers
are older adults. Looking at grant for technology to connect people. Counselors on hold.
Salud saludclinic.org None
Providing tele-based medical & behavioral health visits; phone and video-based dental services, & pharmacy pick up outside.
BHS Crisis Response Fund larimer.org/behavioralhealth/crisis-response-fund None
Behavioral Health Services Crisis Response Fund has been established to provide financial support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organizations that work with individuals navigating the channels of support for mental health and substance issues.
Employment, additional resources available at https://www.fcgov.com/business/ and https://uwaylc.org/
Resource Webpage City Role
Larimer County Economic and
Workforce Development https://www.larimer.org/ewd None
Job search consultation appointments via telephone. Includes resume assistance, resume reviews, cover letter guidance, interview
strategies, job search strategies, access to the daily jobs list, and access to tools for self-guided career exploration.
Work in Northern Colorado workinnortherncolorado.com Partner
Talent initiative & information hub for professionals and families. Partnership with Fort Collins Chamber and Larimer County
Economic and Workforce Development.
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Seniors and Medically Vulnerable
Resource Webpage City Role
Adopt a Neighbor https://www.fcgov.com/neighborhoodservices/adopt Coordination
Fort Collins and the surrounding Growth Management Area who are vulnerable to COVID-19 and need assistance with daily tasks
will be paired with a volunteer.
A Little Help https://www.alittlehelp.org/ Regular funding support
Volunteers will help with critical needs including trips to groceries, pharmacies, and medical facilities.
Special Shopping Hours (groceries
and other)
https://senioraccesslarimer.colostate.edu/senior-shopping-
hours/?fbclid=IwAR1UV9Yjqfi0YdZheckONY-
JTT8h1CrVRfcTvBFs915m_RPy9PGifukUJHs
None
Safeway, King Soopers, Target, Lucky’s Market, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Natural Grocers, Big Lots, Walmart, Walgreens (55+), &
Staples have designated hours for older adults (most are 60+), pregnant women & those with compromised immune conditions.
Larimer County Extension &
Senior Access Points
https://senioraccesslarimer.colostate.edu/ None
Available for older adults and caregivers with updated information on local supports and resources. Extension supports the
community through research-based resources and communications.
Partnership for Age Friendly
Communities
https://www.pafclarimer.org/ None
Volunteer teams incubate and launch projects in four areas: Health & Wellness, Housing, Transportation, Culture of Aging.
Volunteers of America https://www.voacolorado.org/ Regular funding support
VOA has put a hold on handyman, caregiver and RSVP programs. Continuing Meals on Wheels but not taking new clients. Larimer
VOA is a coalition of nongovernmental entities to collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate before, during and after an event.
Internet Resources, additional resources available at https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairman-pai-launches-keep-americans-
connected-pledge
Resource Webpage City Role
March 13th, 2020: Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, Century Link, Comcast, Frontier, Verizon,
Sprint, US Cellular, T-Mobile and AT&T pledges for the next 60 days to: (1) not terminate service to any residential or small
business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; (2)
waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the
coronavirus pandemic; and (3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
Connexion https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/covid-19 Lead
Following the same protocol as Utilities – will not disconnect services to customers for nonpayment until further notice. Working
with PSD to deploy wi-fi service to manufactured home communities; anticipated to begin work week of April 13.
Comcast -Xfinity https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19 None
Comcast pledges Xfinity Hotspots free for everyone. Pausing data Plans (60 days). No disconnects or late fees (creation of payment
options). Internet essentials free to low-income NEW CUSTOMERS ($9.95/month for existing customers).
Frontier https://frontier.com/resources/covid-19 None
No data caps.
Verizon Wireless https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/covid-19-
faqs/#bill
None
Through May 13, 2020, will not charge late fees or terminate service.
US Cellular https://www.uscellular.com/covid-19 None
From now until the end of May, no additional charges for overages.
Sprint https://www.sprint.com/en/landings/covid-19.html None
Unlimited data for 60 days to customers with metered data plans. 20 GB of free mobile hotspot to customers with hotspot-capable
devices. Waiving per-minute charges for international long-distance calls from U.S. to CDC-defined Level 3 countries.
T-Mobile t-mobile.com/brand/ongoing-updates-covid-19#customers None
All current T-Mobile customers on plans that have data are provided the unlimited connectivity they need to learn and work.
AT&T https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html None
Waiving late payment fees for wireless or broadband small business customers. Domestic wireless plan overage charges for data,
voice, or text for small business wireless customers.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
DURING COVID-19
Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities. V/TDD 711.
Esta información puede ser traducida, sin costo para usted.
fcgov.com/eps/coronavirus
20-22270
HEALTHY HOMES
Healthy homes helps community members
identify pollutants or contaminants in the
home that can affect health and safety. While
the Healthy Homes program promotes many
different actions to improve indoor air quality,
the following actions are especially important
during this time:
Safe Cleaning
The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting
commonly touched surfaces. Use soap and water
first to clean the surfaces, then use a disinfectant.
The CDC recommends using rubbing alcohol
with 70% isopropyl as a cleaning disinfectant,
try making your own all-purpose cleaning
disinfectant with the Healthy Homes Cleaners
Recipe Book: fcgov.com/healthyhomes-covid19.
Proper Ventilation
When combined with other strategies, proper
air filtration can help mitigate COVID-19.
Tips on proper ventilation:
fcgov.com/healthyhomes-covid19.
Assess how you can improve the indoor air
quality of your whole home today by completing
the Healthy Homes online assessment:
healthyhomes.fcgov.com.
fcgov.com/eps/coronavirus
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Food Resources
Food Bank for Larimer County foodbanklarimer.org
Address: 5706 Wright Dr., Loveland, Colorado 80538
Telephone: 970-493-4477
Email: info@foodbanklarimer.org
Meals on Wheels mealsonwheelsfc.org
1217 E. Elizabeth St., Unit 11, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Telephone: 970-484-6325
Fax: 970-224-2635
Email: info@mealsonwheelsfc.org
Housing Resources
Neighbor to Neighbor n2n.org
Address: 1550 Blue Spruce Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524
Telephone: 970-484-7498
Email: contact@n2n.org
Larimer County
Questions about COVID-19? We’ve set up an information
center for questions about COVID-19 for Larimer County
residents. Here are the best ways to reach us:
Call the Joint Information Center: 970-498-5500
Open Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Text us questions: 970-999-1770
We will do our best to respond within 4 hours during the day
If you are interested in receiving the latest information related
to COVID-19 in Larimer County, text the word COVID19LC to
888777.
United Way of Larimer County
United Way of Larimer County uwaylc.org
Address: 525 West Oak St., Ste. 101, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Telephone: 970-407-7000
Fax: 970-407-7099
Email: office@uwaylc.org
UTILITIES
Having Trouble Paying Your Bill?
Fort Collins Utilities will not disconnect utilities
service to customers for nonpayment until
further notice. If you are having difficulty paying
your bills, contact us at 970-212-2900 or visit
fcgov.com/utilities-affordability to learn about
payment arrangements and assistance options.
Need help from another utility provider?
Contact them directly or call 2-1-1 or visit
uwaylc.org/Get-Help to learn about agencies
that may assist with your utility bill.
Only Flush the Three Ps: Pee, Poo and
Toilet Paper
With concerns about COVID-19, there is
increased use of disinfecting wipes and other
products like tissues, paper towels, and napkins.
Even if a product claims to be ‘flushable,’ it can
cause problems in our sanitary sewer system,
potentially leading to a blocked sewer line,
property damage and extra expenses for repairs.
Wipes, feminine hygiene products, condoms,
paper towels, facial tissues, napkins, diapers,
makeup remover pads and dental floss don’t
break down. Always throw them in the trash and
do NOT recycle or flush them.
ADOPT-A-NEIGHBOR
Need Help During the COVID-19 Crisis?
Request help from a volunteer through this
uniquely challenging time. Responses are
confidential. We are looking for neighbors in Fort
Collins and the surrounding Growth Management
Area who are vulnerable to COVID-19 and need
assistance with regular tasks. You will be paired
with a volunteer in your community! Tasks may
include, but are not limited to: grocery shopping
and delivery, basic errands, driveway shoveling,
outdoor pet care/dog walking. You will:
• Be connected with a neighbor who wants to
help and is background checked and trained by
the City of Fort Collins on COVID-19 safety.
• Develop a list of tasks that would help you
be more comfortable to be completed by the
volunteer neighbor.
• Assign volunteer neighbor errands or tasks to
help you and make a new friend.
Sign up to get help at: fcgov.com/volunteer or
call 970-416-8000 (English) or 970-416-8001
(Spanish).
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
RECURSOS PARA
LA COMUNIDAD
DURANTE COVID-19
HOGARES SALUDABLES
El objetivo de Healthy Homes es ayudar a
nuestros integrantes de la comunidad a identificar
contaminantes en el hogar que pueden afectar la
salud y la seguridad. Si bien el programa Healthy
Homes promueve muchas acciones diferentes para
mejorar la calidad del aire interior, las siguientes
acciones son especialmente importantes durante
este tiempo:
Limpieza segura
El centro para el control y prevención
de enfermedades (CDC siglas en inglés)
recomienda limpiar y desinfectar las superficies
comúnmente usadas. Use jabón y agua primero
para limpiar las superficies, luego use un
desinfectante. El CDC recomienda el uso de
alcohol isopropílico al 70% como desinfectante
de limpieza, intente hacer su propio
desinfectante de limpieza para todo uso con el
Libro de recetas de desinfectantes de Healthy
Homes, fcgov.com/airquality/healthyhomes.
Ventilación adecuada
La filtración de aire adecuada dentro del hogar es
una parte de una estrategia general de mitigación
para proteger contra COVID-19, pero no es una
solución en sí misma. Consejos sobre ventilación
adecuada: fcgov.com/healthyhomes-covid19.
Evalúe cómo puede mejorar la calidad del
aire interior de toda su casa hoy completando
la evaluación en línea de Healthy Homes
healthyhomes.fcgov.com.
fcgov.com/eps/coronavirus
Los recursos para discapacitados y asistencia auxiliar son disponibles
para la gente con discapacitadas. V/TDD: 711
fcgov.com/eps/coronavirus
20-22270
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS
No Desconexión de Servicios
por Falta de Pago
No desconectaremos el servicio a los clientes
por falta de pago hasta nuevo aviso. Si tiene
dificultad para pagar sus cuentas, comuníquese
con nosotros para recibir asistencia o para hacer
arreglos para sus pagos. Llame al 970-212-2900
o visite fcgov.com/utilities-affordability.
¿Necesita ayuda de otro proveedor de servicios
públicos? Comuníquese con ellos directamente
o llame al 2-1-1 o visite uwaylc.org/Get-Help para
conocer las agencias que pueden ayudarlo con
su factura de servicios públicos.
Descargue Sólo las Tres Ps – Pipí, Popo y
Papel de Baño
Con las preocupaciones del COVID-19, hay
mayor uso de toallas desinfectantes y otros
productos como pañuelos desechables, toallas
de papel y servilletas. Aunque el producto
indique ser ‘flushable’ o desechable en el
inodoro, puede causar problemas a nuestro
sistema de alcantarillado sanitario, bloqueos
en las tuberías de aguas residuales, daños a la
propiedad y gastos extra por reparaciones.
Las toallitas, productos de higiene femenina,
condones, toallas de papel, pañuelos
desechables, servilletas,
pañales, almohadillas
desmaquillantes y el hilo
dental no se descomponen.
Arrójelos siempre a la basura
y NO los recicle ni descargue
por el inodoro.
ADOPTE UN VECINO
¿Necesita ayuda durante la crisis del
COVID-19?
Solicite la ayuda de un vecino voluntario en
estos tiempos excepcionalmente desafiantes.
Las respuestas son confidenciales. Estamos en la
búsqueda de vecinos en Fort Collins y en el área
de gestión del crecimiento circundante que sean
vulnerables al COVID-19 y necesiten ayuda con
tareas regulares. ¡Se le asignará un voluntario
en su comunidad! Las tareas pueden incluir,
entre otras, las siguientes: compra y entrega
de comestibles, encargos básicos, limpieza
del camino de entrada con palas, cuidado de
mascotas al aire libre/paseo de perros y más.
Usted:
• Será puesto en contacto con un vecino que
desea ayudar, cuyos antecedentes han sido
verificados y que ha sido entrenado por la
ciudad de Fort Collins sobre seguridad con
relación al COVID-19.
• Preparará una lista de tareas para ser
realizadas por el vecino voluntario y que le
ayudarían a sentirse más cómodo.
• Le asignará encargos y tareas al vecino
voluntario para que le ayude y para tener un
nuevo amigo.
Regístrese en la siguiente dirección para
obtener ayuda: fcgov.com/volunteer
o llame al 970-416-8000 (en inglés)
o al 970-416-8001 (en español).
RECURSOS ADICIONALES
Recursos alimenticios
Banco de Comida foodbanklarimer.org
Dirección: 5706 Wright Dr., Loveland, CO 80538
Teléfono: 970-493-4477
Correo: info@foodbanklarimer.org
Meals on Wheels mealsonwheelsfc.org
Dirección: 1217 E. Elizabeth St., Unit 11, Fort Collins,
CO 80524
Teléfono: 970-484-6325
Fax: 970-224-2635
Correo: info@mealsonwheelsfc.org
Recursos de vivienda
Neighbor to Neighbor n2n.org
Dirección: 1550 Blue Spruce Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524
Teléfono: 970-484-7498
Correo: contact@n2n.org
Larimer County
¿Preguntas sobre COVID-19? Hemos establecido un centro
de información para preguntas sobre COVID-19 para los
residentes del condado de Larimer. Estas son las mejores
formas de comunicarse con nosotros:
Llame al Centro de Información Conjunta: 970-498-5500
Abierto de lunes a viernes de 9:00 a.m. a 4:30 p.m.
Envíenos sus preguntas por mensaje de texto: 970-999-1770
Haremos todo lo posible para responder dentro de las 4 horas
durante el día.
Si está interesado en recibir la información más reciente
relacionada con COVID-19 en el condado de Larimer, envíe un
mensaje de texto con la palabra COVID19LC al 888777.
United Way del Condado de Larimer
United Way del Condado de Larimer uwaylc.org
Dirección: 525 W. Oak St., Ste. 101, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Teléfono: 970-407-7000
Fax: 970-407-7099
Correo: office@uwaylc.org
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
8/04/2020
COVID-19 Communications and Engagement
Amanda King and Leo Escalante
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
2
Information to Cover
•Background
•Emergency Communication and Response
•Local Partnerships
•City’s Role in Connecting to Resources
•Targeted Outreach for Vulnerable and Susceptible
Populations
•Ongoing and Future Efforts
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
3
Background
•COVID-19 ongoing impact in Fort Collins
•Existing inequities and health disparities have been amplified
o Recent positive cases in Larimer County per 100k are 51% higher
among Hispanic/Latinx community members
•City staff implemented a suite of tactics and programs
to connect community members to resources
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
4
Emergency Communication
Emergency
Communication
and Response
•Website (English and Spanish)
•Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor)
•Press releases and local media alerts
•Local radio, including a Spanish radio station
•FCTV cable channel
•COVID-19 eNewsletter
•Print materials
•Door-to-door delivery
•Ambassador/peer engagement
•Email campaigns to low-income Utilities customers and businesses
•City staff email signature
•Utilities telephone message
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
5
Emergency Communication
Emergency
Communication
and Response
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
6
Social Media
-14%
22%
-15%
28%
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
500,000
550,000
2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2020 Q1 2020 Q2
FACEBOOK POST IMPRESSIONS
9,40710,34610,854118156%
10%5%
9%
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2020 Q1 2020 Q2
INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
0.0%0.1%0.2%0.3%0.4%0.5%0.6%0.7%0.8%0.9%1.0%1.1%1.2%1.3%1.4%1.5%1.6%
2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2020 Q1 2020 Q2
TWITTER ENGAGEMENT RATE3,2973,4503,5133,8566%5%2%
10%
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2020 Q1 2020 Q2
YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBERS
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
7
Local Partnerships
Community
Partnerships
•United Way of Larimer County
o List of resources
•Poudre Library District
o Information Town Halls
•Larimer County
o Resource Information sharing
•Community Meetings
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
8
Connection to Resources
City’s Role in
Connecting to
Community
Resources
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
9
Vulnerable and Susceptible
Targeted
Outreach to
Vulnerable and
Susceptible
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
10
Ongoing and Future Efforts
Ongoing and
Future Efforts
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22
Thank You
DocuSign Envelope ID: 78A4BD3A-0142-428F-BD61-6026DD83EE22